CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers is asking a federal agency to set an election so more than 2,400 Boeing production workers in South Carolina can vote whether to form a union.
The union issued a release saying a petition was filed Monday with the National Labor Relations Board after what the union said a significant number of Boeing workers signed authorization cards.
The NLRB will have to set election dates.
Boeing released a statement saying that a union is "not in the best interest of Boeing South Carolina teammates and their families" and claiming that the possibility of joining the IAM has "begun to divide our team at a time when we're just beginning to gel and catch a solid rhythm in production."
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is a strong opponent of unions and has urged Boeing workers to reject unionization efforts. Union organizer Mike Evans has called on the governor to remain neutral leading up to the vote.
Boeing last month opened a new propulsion plant in North Charleston and now employs about 7,500 people in South Carolina.
